Self-deploying float

Abstract

A self-deploying float assembly to support mechanical equipment such as aerators and mixers for use in water, wastewater and process water stream treatment basins and a method of installing same.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A self-deploying float assembly to support a mechanical device on a surface of a liquid in a water or wastewater treatment basin, the self-deploying float assembly comprising:
 a mechanical device; 
 a central support bracket forming a generally horizontal plane and having an upper surface and a lower surface and a generally central opening to receive and support the mechanical device, the mechanical device secured to at least the upper surface of the central support bracket; 
 a plurality of floats, each float having at least an upper surface and a lower surface, a length and a cross-sectional shape, wherein a generally hollow chamber is formed along substantially the entire length of the floats, each float further including a proximal end and a distal end; 
 a plurality of hinges, each hinge pivotably mounting the proximal end of each float directly to the lower surface of the central support bracket such that each float may, using the liquid, the weight of the assembly and the buoyancy of the floats, pivot between a downward, generally vertical position prior to contact with the surface of the liquid and an upward, generally horizontal position upon placement of the assembly in the liquid for use in the water or wastewater treatment basin, wherein when in the horizontal position, the upper surface of each float contacts the lower surface of the central support bracket. 
 
     
     
       2. The self-deploying float assembly of  claim 1  wherein the cross-sectional shape of each of said plurality of floats is a hexagon. 
     
     
       3. The self-deploying float assembly of  claim 1  wherein at least one float of the plurality of floats includes a mooring bracket to secure the float assembly in the water or wastewater treatment basin. 
     
     
       4. The self-deploying float assembly of  claim 1  wherein said hinges are mounted to a perimeter of the central support bracket, said hinges are capable of preventing said floats from pivoting beyond a generally horizontal position. 
     
     
       5. The self-deploying float assembly of  claim 1  wherein the proximal end of the upper surface of the floats includes a first aperture and the central support bracket includes a second aperture extending between the upper and the lower surfaces of the central support bracket such that each float is secured to the central support bracket in a generally horizontal position with a fastener cooperating with the first aperture on the upper surface of the float and the second aperture on the central support bracket. 
     
     
       6. The self-deploying float assembly of  claim 5  wherein the first aperture of the upper surface of each float is a threaded locking aperture for securing the float in a generally horizontal position to the second aperture of the central support bracket with a bolt. 
     
     
       7. The self-deploying float assembly of  claim 1  wherein the generally hollow chamber is filled with a foam to provide buoyancy. 
     
     
       8. The self-deploying float assembly of  claim 1  wherein the mechanical device is an aerator. 
     
     
       9. The float assembly of  claim 1  wherein the mechanical device is a mixer. 
     
     
       10. The float assembly of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of floats is four floats. 
     
     
       11. The float assembly of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of floats is three floats.